All Blog Entries by Justin Havre Real Estate Team

Buying a home in Canada comes with plenty of ongoing expenses. Property taxes, mortgage payments, insurance, repairs—the costs add up fast. So when tax season rolls around, you might wonder: "Can I write off any of these expenses?"

Unfortunately, in Canada, the home you live in doesn't give you the same tax breaks you'd get in the United States. Property taxes and mortgage interest on your primary home are NOT tax-deductible in Canada.

But don't close this tab yet.

While you can't deduct your basic homeownership costs, Canada offers several tax credits and deductions that can save you real money. First-time buyers get credits worth $1,500. Work from home? You might deduct thousands in home office expenses. Own a rental property? Now we're

The holiday season is a time for frolicking in the snow, revelling in cheer, and finding fun things to do in Calgary. Those looking for Christmas events in Calgary this year to embrace the warmth the holidays bring should check out these annual festivities, fostering everything Christmas is about. And they're not just in December—plenty of events start in mid-November and take you all the way to the big day.

Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas

Once Upon a Christmas is by far one of the most cherished holiday traditions in Calgary, and the event transports visitors into an old-fashioned town in the heart of Southwest Calgary. A picturesque Christmas scene through and through, the Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas Village is the ideal place to

Freezing pipes. Sky-high heating bills. Ice dams that look like they're auditioning for a horror movie.

Winter in Calgary is fun, but the winter weather doesn't mess around. And if you're not prepared, your home might suffer the consequences.

The good news? Most winterizing tasks take an afternoon and basic tools. The better news? They'll save you hundreds on utility bills and thousands on emergency repairs.

Here's how to winterize your home before the cold weather season starts, and what to do if winter causes issues anyway.

Quick Home Winterization Checklist (Save This!)

Before the first freezing temperatures hit, handle these essentials:

• Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Book a furnace inspection before techs

People love living in Calgary, and more are moving here every day. For current and prospective residents, building a custom dream home is the pinnacle of homeownership and something they work towards for decades.

But the experience (and your future home) depend heavily on who you choose to work with. Start by exploring some of Calgary's best home builders. While they all have experience and track records of customer satisfaction, they each have unique offerings, specialties, and styles.

Here's a deep dive into the top home builders in Calgary. The best Calgary builder for you may not be on this list, but getting a baseline of what to look for, what to expect, and how to approach your search will be priceless.

The Justin Havre Real Estate Team

Your mortgage rate is 6.5%, but your neighbour just got 4.8% on their new home. Should you apply for refinancing to get a better deal, or will the costs eat up any savings?

This question keeps many Canadian homeowners up at night. With interest rates bouncing around like a pinball machine, figuring out when to refinance your mortgage can feel overwhelming.

Here's the truth: refinancing can save you thousands of dollars over time or put money in your pocket right now. But it can also cost you big if you don't understand the rules. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about mortgage refinancing in Canada, with real examples and current market insights.

By the end, you'll know exactly when refinancing makes sense and how to do it

The Calgary real estate market is constantly changing. Fortunately, we're here to keep you up-to-date on everything that's going on. This seasonal update gives you the actual numbers that matter to buyers and sellers.

Calgary Real Estate Market Update: October 2025

As we move deeper into fall, Calgary's housing market continues the trends established in recent months. With inventory reaching levels not seen since 2020 and sales activity remaining subdued, the market has shifted to conditions that provide buyers with more selection and time for decision-making.

Let's examine the October statistics and what they indicate for both buyers and sellers navigating today's market environment.

October 2025 Market Snapshot - By the Numbers

Looking at Calgary's booming commercial real estate market, smart investors are asking one key question: Is now the right time to jump in?

The numbers tell a compelling story. Calgary's commercial real estate market hit $5.2 billion in investment volume by the fourth quarter of 2024, a massive 17% jump from the year before. That's investors voting with their wallets.

But here's what really matters for your investment decision. Calgary isn't just riding an oil boom anymore. The city has quietly become Canada's second-largest corporate headquarters hub. Tech companies are moving in. The population grew by 6% last year. And commercial property prices still cost 25–50% less than Toronto or Vancouver.

So, is Calgary commercial real estate a good

Considering moving to Calgary? Understandably, you’ll want to know what awaits you in this sun-soaked city nestled against the glorious Rockies. From the reality of housing costs and job market prospects to the pulse of daily life in Calgary’s best neighbourhoods, prospective residents can check all their boxes before moving. Calgary isn’t merely a new address—it’s a place where you can thrive.

Why Live in Calgary?

• Lower Cost of Living: Calgary is significantly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, offering a high quality of life without excessive costs.
• Strong Job Market: A wide range of opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.
• Rich Cultural Scene: Home to Studio Bell, art galleries, museums, and music

Picture this: You're ready to buy your first home (or refinance), but two different mortgage professionals are telling you opposite things about the best loan for your situation. One works for TD Bank, the other works independently with 40+ lenders. Who's actually looking out for your best interests?

This confusion hits thousands of Canadian homebuyers every year.

The choice between a mortgage broker vs. a loan officer can literally save or cost you thousands of dollars over your mortgage term. But too many people don't understand the real difference until it's too late.

The truth is, both can help you get a mortgage. But they work very differently, get paid differently, and offer completely different advantages. By the end of this article,

Every November, you can honour those lost in the First World War at the many Remembrance Day events across Calgary. At these special ceremonies, you will have a chance to learn about those who sacrificed their lives and honour their memories. To help you best plan your time on this important day, use this guide to learn about Remembrance Day events you can attend in Calgary.

Calgary Remembrance Day 2025 Events

• Field of Crosses: 200 Memorial Dr. NW (Sunnyside Bank Park)
• Daily ceremonies November 1–10: arrive 15 minutes prior to sunrise and sunset times.
• Night of Lights: November 10, sunset to sunrise.
• Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11, 10:10 a.m.; televised
• Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Military Museums: 4520 Crowchild